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H.P. ACTHAR SUBCUTANEOUS GEL INJECTION
H.P. Acthar is a corticotropin (ACTH) analog that stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce endogenous corticosteroids and has direct immunomodulatory effects.
H.P. Acthar is a corticotropin (ACTH) analog that stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce endogenous corticosteroids and has direct immunomodulatory effects. Used for Uveitis (including non-infectious uveitis), Infantile spasms (West syndrome), Multiple sclerosis relapse.
At a glance
| Generic name | H.P. ACTHAR SUBCUTANEOUS GEL INJECTION |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Acthar |
| Sponsor | Tampa Bay Uveitis Center, LLC |
| Drug class | Corticotropin (ACTH) analog |
| Target | Melanocortin receptors (primarily MC2R on adrenal cortex; also MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R on immune cells) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Immunology / Rheumatology / Ophthalmology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Acthar binds to melanocortin receptors on adrenocortical cells, triggering release of cortisol and other adrenal hormones. Beyond this indirect corticosteroid effect, it also exerts direct anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory actions through melanocortin receptors on immune cells, making it distinct from exogenous corticosteroid therapy.
Approved indications
- Uveitis (including non-infectious uveitis)
- Infantile spasms (West syndrome)
- Multiple sclerosis relapse
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Common side effects
- Hypertension
- Hyperglycemia / glucose intolerance
- Hypokalemia
- Fluid retention / edema
- Mood changes / psychiatric effects
- Insomnia
- Injection site reactions
Key clinical trials
- Efficacy and Safety of H.P. Acthar Gel for the Treatment of Refractory Cutaneous Manifestations of Dermatomyositis (PHASE4)
- Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) for Post-op Inflammation in Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy (PVR) (EARLY_PHASE1)
- Acthar Gel in Participants With Pulmonary Sarcoidosis (PHASE4)
- Study of Acthar® Gel (Acthar) for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- Safety and Effectiveness of Acthar Gel in Participants With Rheumatoid Arthritis (PHASE4)
- Acthar for the Treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) in Patients With a History of Persistently Active Disease (PHASE4)
- Study of H.P. ACTHAR Subcutaneous Gelatin (Gel)(Highly Purified Gel Injection) in Uveitis Patients (PHASE4)
- Pilot Clinical Trial of ACTHar Gel 14 Days Subcutaneous (SQ)Versus ACTHar Gel Five Days SQ for the Treatment of MS Exacerbations (PHASE4)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
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